Headed into his first game as the new Head Coach of New Mexico State University, Doug Martin had a few insights as his squad heads to Austin this weekend to face the Texas Longhorns as a massive underdog. Not leaving empty handed, the Aggies will make $950,000 for the game.
Speaking to Teddy Feinburg of the Las Cruces Sun News, Martin spoke on Texas: “They’re ranked 15th in the country and they probably should be higher, The speed of the game will be fast in the beginning, and I expect them to come out and play really well and play with a lot of pride. A lot of eyes will be on them this year, and I’m sure they’ll be ready.”
During a media session with local outlets, Martin said he wanted his team to find an identity: “That’s what I’m really looking for in this game,” per Feinburg. “I don’t care if we’re playing Texas, the Green Bay Packers or UTEP. We’ve got to look the same every Saturday. I want us to play with great speed, great intensity. Play with a lot of emotion. If we can do that Saturday after Saturday, the score will take care of itself.” Martin was quoted as saying by Feinburg. who quoted Martin later as saying “We want to be a team that plays with great discipline. Not fumbling the ball and putting it on the ground. Not beating ourselves.”
New Mexico State will work out of a no huddle tempo attack, and will mix in the quarterback option for its rushing attack. Facing such a large talent gap, it would be a win for the Aggies to do the simple things like not turning the ball over, not making stupid mistakes.
On the defensive side of the ball, Martin has smartly given his staff far more autonomy to run things as they see fit than DeWayne Walker did. Given the Aggies worst defenses in school history have been the last three years, things can only improve.
Sam Wasson of bleedCRIMSON.net came on the Orange Report Wednesday night and alluded to the Aggies using a few transfers on the defensive side of the ball to bolster things. His Q&A with me is already posted on our site, and the podcast with his interview will be up soon.
Quotes obtained via Teddy Feinburg Las Cruces Sun News
